Yesterday, was a look at the quarterbacks who are being considered for the Oakland Raiders 50th anniversary team. Today, the focus is going to be on the running backs. The Raiders have a long history of dominant running games, despite not have a plethora of super star running backs.
Clem Daniels: Daniels was known not only for his ability to run with the ball, but for being a feared deep threat receiver out of the backfield. In 1963 Daniels amassed over 1700 combined yards from scrimmage. He was the leading rusher for the Raiders from 1962-7.
Mark Van Eeghen: Van Eeghen was a running fullback who led the Raiders in rushing for five years from 1976-80. He was a big part in two of the three Raider Super Bowl wins.
Marv Hubbard: Hubbard was one of the unsung heroes of the Raiders dominance. He was the leading Raider rusher for four years.
Pete Banaszak: Back in the days before specialized players were the norm, Banaszak was a short yardage specialist for the Raiders.
Marcus Allen: Allen ran away with the Super Bowl XVIII MVP trophy, had a league MVP year, and holds all Raider career rushing marks. Allen was a threat as a runner, receiver, and he could also throw a pass on occasion. He was also one of the best backs ever when it came to short yardage situations.
Steve Smith: Steve Smith deserves to be considered for the All-50 team based on his blocking. He would open holes for Allen and Bo Jackson, and was an important piece of the Raiders rushing attack in the late 80s and early 90s.
Bo Jackson: Bo is probably the single greatest "could have been" in sports history. It is his legend, and not his production that gets him mentioned here. He only played for four years, and a total of 38 games. He never had a 1000 yard season because of his status as a part time player.
Jon Ritchie: Much like Steve Smith, Ritchie was a primal force as a blocking back. With him leading the way,the Raiders led the NFL in rushing in 2000 en route to their AFC West championship.
NOTE: If you have any questions you would like answered in a future article, email them to me at patrick at tfdssports.com
You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.
Comments
What about Napoleon Kaufman or Tyron Wheatley, maybe not on the final team but they did more for the Raiders then Ritchie.
I have to put Bo on the list. He is the most dominating RB I have ever watched play.
Holds the two longest runs in Raider history 92yards and 91yards. Also most yards in a single game in Raider history 221yds.
Marcus Allen #1
Mark Van Eaghen #2
Bo Jackson #3
Don't forget "The Train", Hewitt Dixon. He brought pain when he ran.
Napoleon Kaufman has the single game record. I think it was 227 against the donkeys
I think Charlie Gardner should be mentioned
Take Allen off the list. This is why; Near the end of his time as a Raider, he and Davis were at odds. Allen felt he was not getting the ball enough and completely dogged it. He went down easy, couldn't turn the corner, just basically gave a poor effort. I'm sorry but I don't care what team your on or who is the coach or owner, you give 100% effort on every down. That is how you play and shows what your true character is. Allen clearly did not. He then went on to commit the ultimate sin. He went on national TV (MNF halftime)and complained about his playing time, not getting the ball and Davis. Naturally, ABC and Michaels jumped on the chance to bash the Raiders and Davis. Allen made himself look a complete cry-baby. I think they even had violins playing in the backround. This stuff is supposed to stay in the locker room. Then he goes to KC and all of a sudden he is motivated and playing the way he should have been playing, which just proved he was dogging it with us.
Diamond Jim whether Allen was arguing with Al Davis or not he was one of the greatest. How do you leave Napolean Kauffman his record setting game should be enough to put him on the list or his 400 lb bench press.
Bo Jax starting tailback with Marcus Backing him up. Banaszak starting fullback with Steve Smith backing him up. I would put that up against any teams all time backfield.
FB:
J.Ritchie
S.Smith
RB:
B.Jackson
M.Allen
N.Kaufman
My lineup
Napoleon Kaufman without a doubt. He didn't have the longevity of Marcus or even many others, but he never complained, always was gracious, and had the most amazing strength, speed, agility, vision, and will I have seen. He only missed 5 games in his career and they were not his fault (poked in the eye, leg-whipped, personal foul facemask twisted knee) - and when you gave him the ball 25 times + he showed what he can do. I have 2 highlight tapes of his career runs and they take up 3 hours - some of the greatest plays I have ever seen - only seen him take 2 hard hits and he popped back up. If I was building a super RB now it would be Kaufman - benches 400, track champion, small (can't get solid leg tackles on him or see him [linemen] before he is by you), extreme acceleration, vision, speed, agility, gives up his body on blocks, and a TEAM PLAYER that never complains. At least include him in the list for 1997 - 8 plays over 40 yards.
Tyrone Wheatly needs a mention at least
I agree with taking Marcus Allen OFF. He has said IFFFF he makes it to HOF he wants to go as a Chef. He is not a RAIDER.
Napolean Kaufman deserves to be on there. I would have him and Tyrone Wheatly ahead of Jon Ritchie.
Let's not forget Clarence davis, he was a force in the playoffs in 76
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